How to Write a Two Weeks' Notice Letter + Templates

Why do you need a two weeks' notice letter?

A two-weeks’ notice letter is a formal notification to your employer of the date you plan to quit working. Usually, it’s submitted after giving your manager a verbal notification that you’re leaving.

You should submit a two weeks’ notice letter to safeguard this job as a reference in your work history. Employers appreciate the warning because it shows that you care, confirms your exit date and helps them prepare for your departure.

No federal or state laws require two weeks’ notice letters. However, it’s common practice and good professional etiquette to submit one.

While you don’t legally need a two weeks’ notice letter, writing one may help you in the future!

Two weeks' notice letter templates

Depending on how long you’ve spent at your current job and how you feel about leaving, you may make your letter longer or shorter, though it should fit on one page.

Here are several two-week notice letters and email templates, ranging in length and style.

Professional two weeks’ email template

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

This message confirms my decision to resign from [Company Name] starting [Date, in two weeks]. Thank you for understanding and allowing me to join this team.

I’m immensely grateful for my time at [company name]. Working with you and the [company name/department] team has been a pleasure. It has helped me grow and develop [optional: insert skill you improved]. I learned so many things that will carry me forward in my career. Thank you.

I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during the next two weeks. I’m happy to assist in training a replacement or helping to facilitate the transition process in any way possible. I wish [Company Name] continued success and hope to keep in touch.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Optional: Job title]

Formal two weeks’ notice template

This template fits well if you spent over a year in your job because it will help you leave a more favorable impression if you use the job as a reference in the future.

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

This letter is to confirm that I’m resigning from my role as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name] on [last day, typically two weeks from the date of the letter]. I made this decision with a heavy heart as I greatly appreciate working for [Company Name].

Thank you for the growth, support and guidance you and the [Company Name] family have provided me. The skills and experience I gained working here have been invaluable and will carry me into the future. I will look back at our time working together with much fondness and appreciation.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do during my final two weeks to ensure a gentle transition. I wish continued success for [Company Name] and hope to keep in touch. Thank you again for everything.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

Grateful networking two weeks’ notice template

This template is perfect for retaining warm relations with your former employer. It shows a lot of thanks and positivity. It’s a great lasting impression by which your employer can recap your time with them.

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

I am writing to formally resign from my role as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [last day, typically two weeks from the date of the letter]. This decision was not made lightly, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working here.

Please understand my immense gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you’ve provided during the past [length of time you worked there]. Many sincere thanks to you and our entire team for the positive work environment and the opportunities for growth and learning. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to: [insert achievement, memory or skill mastered]. And I hope to remain in touch.

Please let me know how I can foster a smooth transition over the next two weeks. I am happy to help the team plan, train and prepare for my departure. Thank you for your understanding, compassion and leadership. It has been a pleasure working with you.

Sincerely,
[Optional: Your Signature, if submitting a hard copy]
[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]

Shortest two weeks’ notice email template

This is the briefest two weeks letter possible. It gives the employer notice and touches all necessary points.

It’s most fitting for a job you haven’t worked at for long or had little interaction with your boss.

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

This notice confirms my resignation from [Company Name]. My last day of employment will be [last day, typically two weeks from the date of the letter]. Please let me know how I can help this transition be smooth. Thank you for the opportunity to work for you; it has helped me in many ways.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

How to write a two weeks' notice letter

Writing a two-weeks notice letter is pretty straightforward. You should keep your two weeks’ notice letter short and sweet, one-page maximum.

Make sure your letter includes the following:

The date you’re leaving.
Gratitude for the employment experience.
Your willingness to help in the transition.

All two weeks’ notice letters should include:

1. Letter greeting.

Begin your letter by addressing your supervisor, manager or HR representative. “Dear [First Name]” is sufficient. You should only include their last name if you had little interaction.

If you’re submitting a hard copy of your letter instead of an email you should include today’s date before your greeting. That way, it’s clear to your employer when the notice was given.

Two weeks’ notice letter greeting example:

March 3, 2024

Dear Monica,

2. Intro paragraph: Your “last day” statement.

There’s no need to sugarcoat this; the first sentence of your letter should mention that you are leaving so that it’s clear to your employer. Then, cite the date that you’re to finish.

Once you’ve clarified those two points, you should express loyalty or appreciation for the job. You could say you’re very grateful for your time at the company or mention that your decision came with a heavy heart.

Optional: Some people choose to give a reason that they’re leaving. While your employer does not need this information, they may receive your news better if they understand you’re going because you’re called to a bigger life purpose like family, returning to school or pursuing a dream, not because you don’t like your job.

Otherwise, avoid mentioning going to work for another employer, especially if that employer is in a similar industry to your current job. This implies you’re unhappy with this company and think a new place will be better.

Two weeks’ notice letter introduction paragraph example:

“It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you I am resigning from my position as head chef for Bottom Line Restaurant. My last date will be Sunday, March 3, 2024. After much soul-searching, I’ve decided that it’s time to pursue my dream and open my own food truck. Thank you for allowing me to learn, grow and reach this milestone in my career.”

3. Body paragraph: Sharing your gratitude.

Expressing thanks in your two weeks’ notice letter is crucial. Focusing on what we’re grateful for about a job will leave a shining last impression.

Your employer is more likely to remember you in a good light if you say thanks and share with them how the job enabled you to grow, learn and provide for yourself and your loved ones.

Try to be as specific as possible about what you’re most grateful for, which may include:

Goals you reached
The positive impact your work made
Skills you honed
Training you received
Challenges you overcame
Your manager’s leadership
Creative solutions you found
Educational opportunities
The professional work culture
The family-like nature of your team

Keep the length digestible, six sentences maximum. If you have more gratitude to share, you can do so at your goodbye party or by staying in contact.

Sharing your gratitude example:

“The past eight years at Bottom Line Restaurant have been the highlight of my career so far. I learned so much working with you about reducing waste and food costs and staying ahead of culinary trends. Your business acumen and professional wisdom are torches that will forever guide me forward. You and many of the long-time staff feel like family members. I hope to stay in touch and see you eating from the window of my food truck soon.”

4. Closing paragraph: Offer to help transition.

End your notice letter mentioning that you want to assist in making your departure easier in any way possible. That could mean “wrapping up your work,” “training a replacement,” or “transferring your duties.”

It can be stressful for bosses to lose their employees. So, this step is reassuring them that you’re committed to tying up loose ends and making sure others are prepared to fill your absence.

Ways you could phrase your offer of help examples:

“Please let me know how I can help transition from my role as I wish the continued success of [Company name].”
“During these next two weeks, I am at your full disposal to make this transition seamless and smooth.”
“If there’s any way I can be useful in training people to fill my duties, please let me know as I am happy to help.”

Mentioning something about the ongoing success or functionality of the company or person you’re writing to is also a reference maker!

Closing paragraph offering to help transition:

“As I wrap up my tenure as the head chef, I’ll do everything possible to ensure whoever takes over is adequately trained to assume my duties. You’ve built an exceptional restaurant here, Monica, and I hope it passes on to your children. Thank you for allowing me to run the kitchen, and please let me know how I can make my exit easier. I know we’ll stay in touch.”

5. Sign off.

Sincerely,

Leslie Simoneaux

How to submit your two weeks’ notice

It’s common to send two weeks’ notice letters as an email. However, you may also print and submit a hard copy.

Most importantly, you should submit your letter after you’ve given your manager or supervisor an in-person notification that you plan on leaving.

Be prepared for questions and to follow up on any requests they may have to prepare for your departure.

Two weeks' notice letter examples

A two weeks’ notice letter is also known as a “resignation letter.”

We have a complete library of resignation letters you can use for inspiration for your two weeks’ notice!

Avoid these two weeks' notice letter mistakes

A two weeks resignation letter is a formal notice that you’re leaving, not why you’re leaving.

Don’t:

List why you’re quitting.
Use the letter to vent complaints about your employer, manager, coworkers, clients or working conditions.
Seem like you’re excited to be done working.
Discuss your next job, especially for a business competitor.

The goal of your two weeks’ notice letter is to preserve professional relations, not burn bridges! So, only express feedback or criticism if someone asks later, not in your letter.

Understandably, let your boss know if you were dissatisfied with your job. However, your two weeks’ notice letter is not the space for that. It would help more if you did so with an HR representative or during an exit interview.

Key takeaways

Here are the most important things to remember if you give your two weeks’ notice:

While not legally required, a two weeks’ notice is a smart career move because it builds work references.
The notice letter should fit onto one page and consist of one to three paragraphs.
Start your letter by saying you’re leaving and listing your last day.
Express gratitude and thanks for the things about your job that served you.
Offer to help make your exit easier.
Optional: Express interest to stay in touch.
If you’re quitting to work for a business competitor, skip mentioning it in your letter.
Submit your document as an email or hardcopy letter.

With an uncertain economy, it’s always a good idea to have a job lined up before quitting and submitting a two-week notice email.

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About the Author

Eric Ciechanowski • Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Eric Ciechanowski is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), certified by the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC). He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a B.A. double major in Creative Writing and Philosophy. His career background includes fields as diverse as education, hospitality, journalism, copywriting, tech and trivia hosting.